Low Sodium Levels

Generally, most people are only aware of the health dangers of high sodium levels. This is mainly because low sodium levels in the blood is comparatively rare, especially, in Americans whose food generally has a high salt content.

In the human body, about 40% of sodium is contained in our bones, 55% in blood plasma, and 2 - 5% is contained within the organs and cells. It is necessary for the sodium to be maintained at a certain level or concentration in the blood, for the body to function properly. Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in the blood is diluted by too much water.

Sodium plays an important role for the proper functioning of our body. It is an element and controls the volume of fluid in the body along with helping in maintaining acid base level. Low sodium in the blood can cause people to have memory loss and makes it hard for them to focus. The first symptoms are fatigue, weakness, and nausea.

These symptoms are easy to ignore or overlook. Also, if the levels continue to drop, then the symptoms could include confusion, aggression, and dizziness. It can also lead to seizures and coma, ultimately proving to be fatal.

Diuretic drugs are one of the most common causes. These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure. They make the kidney produce more urine, which causes the sodium to be washed away.

This is especially true when the patient is on a low sodium diet or for an elderly person who has reduced ability to regulate the concentration of various nutrients in the bloodstream. The most common diuretic drugs that cause this condition are Lasix, Thiazides and Bumex.

Drinking excess water can cause hyponatremia. This is because, when the water is absorbed into the bloodstream, it can dilute the sodium in the blood. This is a rare cause and may be found in athletes as they need to hydrate themselves frequently. Besides water, drinking excessive beer (as it is mainly water and low in sodium) can also be a cause when combined with a poor diet.

Severe diarrhea can also lead to low levels of sodium. Diarrhea causes the daily output of eight to ten liters of fluid in a person from the large intestines, which results in the loss of large amounts of water, sodium, and various nutrients. In some cases, high levels of sodium can be lost which may lead to a deficiency.

Excessive sweating is mainly seen in athletes, especially marathon runners. During a race on a hot day, it can be challenging for the body to preserve sodium levels. Races of 25 - 50 miles can result in loss of sweat and water which contains both sodium and water. Research shows that 30% of marathon runners experience hyponatremia during a race. Such runners require immediate medical care.

Moderate hyponatremia, which is caused due to the of use of diuretic drugs can be treated by instructions to drink less water everyday. Severe hyponatremia, can be treated by infusing a solution of 5% sodium into the bloodstream. When the ailment is severe, it is usually a medical emergency that can be treated only in a hospital. Usually, intravenous fluids are introduced into the blood to increase sodium levels.

If you experience any of the symptoms given above, especially more serious symptoms like confusion or muscle twitching, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately. As low sodium levels in the body can have severe effects on the brain, letting the problem go too far can even lead to coma or death.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.